Synthesis of silver-PMMA nanocomposite film

Abstract

The synthesis of a silver-PMMA nanocomposite film includes mixing an aqueous extract of Trigonella foenum - graecum (also known as Helba and fenugreek) seeds with an aqueous solution of silver nitrate, thereby reducing the silver ions to silver metal nanoparticles. A solution of the silver nanoparticles is added to a solution of PMMA [poly (methyl methacrylate)] in N′N-dimethylformamide (DMF) with stirring at 90° C. A light brown solution of silver colloids develops, which is cast in a glass plate and the DMF is evaporated at room temperature, leaving a silver-PMMA nanocomposite film. Testing on water shows the silver-PMMA nanocomposite film prevents or inhibits growth of microbes, suggesting use as an antimicrobial or antibacterial agent, e.g., in water purification.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method for synthesis of a silver-PMMA nanocomposite film, comprising the steps of:
 dissolving silver nitrate in distilled water at 80° C. under continuous stirring to obtain an aqueous solution of silver ions; 
 extracting seeds of  Trigonella foenum - graecum  in water to obtain an aqueous  Trigonella  extract, wherein the step of extracting seeds of  Trigonella foenum - graecum  comprises the steps of:
 i) washing and drying the seeds; 
 ii) soaking the seeds in boiled distilled water overnight to obtain a crude extract; and 
 iii) filtering the crude extract and retaining the filtrate as the aqueous  Trigonella  extract; 
 
 mixing the aqueous solution of silver ions with the aqueous  Trigonella  extract to obtain silver nanoparticles in water, wherein the silver nanoparticles have an average size of 83.01 nm; 
 mixing the silver nanoparticles in water with poly (methyl methacrylate) [PMMA] in an organic solvent at 90° C. to obtain a colloidal solution of a nanocomposite of silver nanoparticles and PMMA; 
 casting the colloidal solution on a support; and 
 evaporating the organic solvent at room temperature to obtain a silver-PMMA nanocomposite film. 
 
     
     
       2. The method for synthesis of a silver-PMMA nanocomposite film according to  claim 1 , wherein the organic solvent comprises N′,N-dimethylformamide (DMF).